Tentativity

Academic writing argument is rarely expressed in strongly
positive language. To express an idea or finding in such a way would leave the writer open
to attack by critical readers. To avoid making strong claims and expressing subjective
opinions, academic writers use tentative rather then assertive language..
Compare the tentative and assertive language in the table below.

Tentative expression

Assertive expression

One could argue that the overall standard of English in Hong Kong has improved

The overall standard of English in Hong Kong has clearly improved.

Modal verbs such as could, may and might
are common in academic writing because they help writers express uncertainty or
tentativeness. Also common are the verbs appear to and seem to, as well as
adverbs of probability: perhaps, possibly, probably, likely, unlikely.

Of course, depending on viewpoint and the available evidence, a writer can express
greater or lesser degrees of certainty. Look at the examples in the table
below.

In the table below, there are a number of assertive statements. Your task is to make
them more tentative. Write your sentences in the right hand column of the table. The first
one has been done for you as an example.

Assertive/expression

Tentative

There is no doubt that PolyU students need to improve their standard of English